The 1872 Clipper Tea Co has had its flagship store at Ion Orchard for a while now, so to switch things up, it’s installed a new mini tea bar in the space for customers to sit and sip in between bouts of retail therapy. A cozy corner of 12 high chair and island counter seats, the wood-detailed space is minimal and chic, with quartz tabletops to lend a classy touch.

The new seating space. Photo: The 1872 Clipper Tea Co

Its menu has been revamped as well, with a line-up of cold brew teas, iced tea blends, tea lattes, chiffon cakes, scones, and tea puffs. If you’re a tea enthusiast, or if you just need a break from hustling between shops, bookmark this quiet nook for the occasional escape from the bustle of Orchard Road.

The first thing you’ll notice upon entering the shop is its colorful display of pastries, a collaboration with Dulcet & Studio created with tea pairings in mind.

Chiffon cakes. Photo: The 1872 Clipper Tea Co

Chiffon cakes ($6.80 each) come in flavors like matcha, yuzu, and strawberry, or go for the classic Earl Grey, which comes with a pleasantly surprising cream cheese center. You can also have a pair of scones ($6/two) for a mid-afternoon break — these buttery bites are warm and crumbly, served with strawberry jam and cream. The brand’s signature tea puffs ($3.20 each) remain on the menu as well, with tea-infused options like hojicha and matcha.

Cold brew taps. Photo: The 1872 Clipper Tea Co

To beat the heat with an icy blast, there are cold brewed teas on tap, such as English Breakfast ($4.20) or Blissful Berries ($4.20). These concoctions are prepared by steeping tea leaves in room temperature water, followed by a six- to eight-hour refrigeration, and an infusion of nitrogen. They’re served without sugar so, y’know, no added calories there.

Iced tea mocktails. Photo: The 1872 Clipper Tea Co

Also on the menu: iced tea “mocktails”. There’s an alcohol-free Singapore Sling ($4.70), for a saccharine sweet mix of English Breakfast, hibiscus syrup, and bits of coconut, lychee, and pineapple, plus a fruity-floral combination called Lychee Litchi ($4.70), which is made of jasmine tea, rose petals, and the namesake fruit.

Hojicha latte. Photo: The 1872 Clipper Tea Co

To round up the selection, they’ve got iced tea lattes like Earl Grey ($5.80) and matcha ($5.80), as well as hot teas that you can watch being prepared behind the counter.

The preparation of hot brews, which probably looks a lot less stylish in real life. Photo: The 1872 Clipper Tea Co